Missed the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit Consider Other Great Real Estate Incentives

The federal homebuyer tax credit, which provided home buyers with up to $8000, has expired, but there plenty of opportunities still exist for prospective home buyers to find an excellent home price and additional incentives and bonuses. The real estate market still favors those seeking to invest in residential property, even though it is the middle of 2010, so purchasing a home before the end of the year is still a wise financial investment. If you are still on the fence about buying a home, don't wait! The chance to get more home for your money in this buyer's market won't be around forever. Rising interest rates appear to be on the horizon so now is the time to strike. Take advantage of every opportunity the current real estate market offers.

Mortgage Advantages for Buyers Seeking Green, Healthy Built Homes and Real Estate

In February the New York Times reported on incentives offered to homebuyers interested in using home loans to make energy efficient upgrades. If you think are thinking of. lowering your home's carbon footprint and decreasing your environmental impact then now is the time to purchase a home and reap the benefits. "Fannie Mae, the government-backed company that sets lending standards for mortgages, said that by this summer it would unveil incentives for those who use part of their mortgages for energy-related improvements", NY Times writer Bob Tedeschi wrote, in an article titled Loans for Green Homes. After running pilot programs in Colorado, Maine and Pennsylvania, borrower incentives are expected to be introduced in New York by EnergyStar, a joint effort of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency."

It may take time for these incentives to spread to other states, but in the coming months we can expect to see more incentives for anyone making energy efficiency a priority. North Carolina offers a number of incentives available to potential and existing homeowners. The Western North Carolina Green Building Council is a leader in the NC Healthy Built Homes movement. To learn more about local incentives and programs visit www.wncgbc.org.

Real Estate Companies Design Their Own Real Estate Incentives and Bonus Programs

In an April 26, 2010 press release Coldwell Banker announced its Buyer Bonus sales event. In direct response to the deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit Coldwell Banker has activated a program meant to give potential home buyers some of the same financial incentives. According to Coldwell Banker, from May 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010 thousands of sellers will offer a credit of 3% or up to $8000 to potential buyers.

"The Buyer Bonus Sales Event will allow participating Coldwell Banker home sellers to essentially extend the benefits of the credit," said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.  "Without restrictions such as household income caps, the Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Sales Event allows for greater participation for all homebuyers.  And our sellers have a unique opportunity to allow their home to stand out from the competition in their marketplace," he continued.

Perks of the Buyer Bonus Program

Homes participating in the Buyer Bonus program will display Buyer Bonus Sales Event yard signs and be listed as a Buyer Bonus home online at ColdwellBanker.com. Homebuyers interested in taking advantage of the Buyer Bonus Sales Event can also search online for available homes by simply clicking the box labeled "Buyer Bonus Sales Event". Homes will also be featured in national television commercials beginning May 1, 2010, extensive online advertising, promotions on ColdwellBanker.com, social media updates on Facebook and Twitter, as well as in the Coldwell Banker blog and the Coldwell Banker On Location channel.

Sellers and buyers can use any benefits real estate companies, mortgage lenders and the government can provide, in the current real estate market. Don't let the chance to own your dream home pass you by! Now is the time to take action and with the help of an experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent you can complete a successful real estate transaction.